Mitcham Financial

09/25/2026

Great insights on the importance of financial education for the next generation. Let's discuss how to communicate investment goals effectively.

My fiance's grandparents funded a custodial account for him in the 90s—a move which comes with major financial implications now that he's an adult.

09/24/2026

Today's inspiration.

09/23/2026

Your Social Security full retirement age isn't the same for everyone.

Depending on the year you were born, it generally falls somewhere between age 66 and 67. This is the age when you become eligible for your full, unreduced retirement benefit.

You may be able to claim earlier or wait longer, but either choice can affect the amount you receive.

Knowing your full retirement age is a helpful first step when considering your Social Security options.

09/22/2026

As the year begins to wind down, it's a good opportunity to step back and review your investment strategy.

Over the course of a year, market movements, life events, and changing financial goals can all affect whether your portfolio remains aligned with your objectives.
Before year-end, consider:

✅ Reviewing your current asset allocation
✅ Evaluating whether your risk tolerance has changed
✅ Checking your progress toward long-term financial goals
✅ Identifying potential tax planning opportunities
✅ Rebalancing investments if needed

An annual review can help ensure your investment strategy continues to reflect your goals, timeline, and overall financial picture. The end of the year isn't just a time to reflect on what's happened. It's also a chance to prepare for what comes next.

09/21/2026

When the kids leave home, life changes in more ways than one. As an empty nester, you may find yourself with more flexibility in your budget and a chance to refocus on your own financial goals.

Now may be a good time to:
✅ Reevaluate your retirement savings strategy
✅ Review your investment allocation and risk tolerance
✅ Consider paying down debt more aggressively
✅ Update your estate and beneficiary designations
✅ Explore future goals such as travel, hobbies, or a second home

While becoming an empty nester can be an emotional transition, it can also be an important financial milestone. Taking time to review your plan now can help ensure your finances align with the next chapter of your life.

09/18/2026

If one spouse doesn't have earned income, they might assume they can't contribute to an IRA.

A spousal IRA lets a working spouse contribute to an IRA on behalf of a non-working (or lower-earning) spouse, as long as the couple files jointly and has enough combined earned income to cover both contributions.

It's a simple way to keep both partners building retirement savings, even when only one paycheck is coming in.

09/17/2026

Wondering how your earnings or claiming age could affect your Social Security benefits?

The Social Security Administration offers online calculators that can help you:
• Estimate future retirement benefits
• Compare benefits at different claiming ages
• See how working may affect benefits claimed early
• Review your full retirement age

Explore the available calculators here: https://ow.ly/khwk30sYPa2

These tools won't make the decision for you, but they can give you useful information to bring into a larger retirement planning conversation.

09/16/2026

September 16th is National Guacamole Day! And much like a good batch of guac, a strong financial plan is all about the layers working together.

Estate planning, tax planning, and philanthropic giving aren't separate projects. Each part may serve a different purpose, but they work best when they're coordinated.

Is every layer of your financial plan working together?

09/15/2026

Retirement planning isn't just about saving. It's about avoiding mistakes that could impact your long-term financial goals.

Here are a few common retirement planning missteps to watch for:

✅ Waiting too long to start saving
✅ Underestimating healthcare expenses in retirement
✅ Not taking full advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans
✅ Failing to review beneficiary designations regularly
✅ Assuming Social Security will cover all retirement expenses
✅ Not adjusting your plan as life circumstances change

The good news? Many retirement planning mistakes can be addressed with regular reviews and proactive planning. Taking time to evaluate your strategy today can help keep you on track toward your long-term goals.

09/14/2026

Thinking about trying a no-spend September?

Start by deciding what “no-spend” actually means for you. Essential bills, groceries, gas, and healthcare still need to be covered, so focus on the optional purchases you're trying to reduce.

A few tips:
• Identify your biggest spending triggers
• Unsubscribe from promotional emails and notifications
• Plan free activities in advance
• Use what you already have at home
• Keep track of what you didn't spend

The goal isn't perfection. It's becoming more intentional about where your money goes.